Olympus PEN E-PL3 review:
Olympus PEN E-PL3

Another downside is the LCD. While I love that it tilts, it seems relatively low-resolution and difficult to view in bright sunlight. I really think the optional EVF (VF-2) is a must-have, though it's pretty expensive.

I like almost everything about the design and feature set of the E-PL3, so I'll lead off with my one major gripe: there's no grip. The metal body is well-constructed, but it's a little heavy (especially with the flash attached) and the slippery front makes it difficult to shoot single-handed--something I hadn't realized I did that often. One other oddity is that I frequently, unknowingly, somehow turn the power on while swapping lenses.

Otherwise, the E-PL3 seems designed for the user who might otherwise have bought a Canon PowerShot G12 or other enthusiast "compact," though it doesn't offer the same wealth of direct-access buttons and dials that make cameras like that popular. The mode dial atop the top of the camera serves up the usual PASM and auto modes, as well as access to Olympus' well-implemented Art Filters, the typical set of scene program modes (including an odd, manual 3D option), and a dedicated movie mode where you have full manual controls and access to the Art Filters.

The back also offers a typical control layout that will be familiar to anyone who's used a digital camera recently. A four-way navigation-dial combo provides direct access to exposure compensation, flash, drive mode, and autofocus area options, while the OK button brings up the interactive display of all the most frequently used settings. If you're in auto mode, the settings change to Olympus' Live Guide menus, basic slider-driven options for things like brightness and saturation.

Likewise, Olympus' menu system has a couple of hidden screens you have to enable to view, one for the accessory port and one with a plethora of custom settings options. The latter includes welcome advanced controls that include options affecting autofocus areas, noise filter strength, and whether or not auto white balance should preserve the warm tone of indoor shots. There's also a programmable function button, but it's not in a convenient spot to use with any regularity, and using it in combination with the dial is downright contortionist. There are four custom settings slots, which is nice, but there's no really convenient way to switch among them.

Conclusion
The E-PL3 isn't the best at anything in its class. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 is faster, smaller, and cheaper; the Sony Alpha NEX-5N has better photo and video quality. But I like the E-PL3 for its balance of features, performance, photo quality, and design that makes many of the trade-offs worth it for the enthusiast.